MASSEY HARRIS RESTORED

By Roger Austin, October 2007

Earlier this year, Kathy VanVleck donated a 1940’s Massey Harris 101 Jr. tractor to the Museum. It had been the favorite of husband, Barry, who passed away in January, 2007.

Jim and Julie McGraw drove to Hilton, NY and picked it up. It was in running condition, but lacked cosmetics. Jim installed new brakes and battery. Dave Baker donated 2 new front tires, with tubes donated by LeBerge and Curtis.

Jim cleaned the tractor to the skin, stripped the old paint and primed it. Then Al Garrand sprayed on a final coat of red with Jim doing the fenders. Julie put the yellow on the wheels and applied the decals.

The result is a fine tribute to Barry and a great addition to the Museum’s collection, thanks to everyone’s generous contribution.

Restoration report by Julie McGraw

The tractor is a Massey Harris 101 Jr. built in the 1940's. It was in running condition but lacked cosmetics. Jim put in new brakes as it didn't have any brakes. He also needed to buy a new battery as there wasn't one with it. Dave Baker donated the 2 front tires and LeBerge and Curtis donated the tubes. Jim cleaned a lifetime of grease and excess dirt off it and then stripped all the paint to the metal and primed it. Al Garrand sprayed all the red except the fenders which Jim did. I did the wheels and the decals.